Rugged Crusaders loose forward Jordan Taufua is set to play in Japan instead of returning to Tasman for their Mitre 10 campaign later this year.
Tasman chief executive Tony Lewis confirmed Taufua, currently with the Crusaders in Buenos Aires preparing to play the Jaguares on Sunday morning, will not return to the provincial union when the Super Rugby season ends.
Taufua may not be alone in giving the national provincial competition a swerve.
Highlanders loose forward and Canterbury captain Luke Whitelock is understood to be pondering a move to a Japanese club, which would rule him out of contention for the red and blacks' title defence.
26-year-old Taufua who has played 74 games for the Crusaders, has proved to be a valuable mentor for younger squad members and his desire to lead by example was emphasised when he played with a broken arm during the 35‑13 loss to Canterbury in the premiership final last year.
The Crusaders will face the Jaguares at 8.40am Sunday while the Hurricanes take on the Sharks at 7.35pm tomorrow.
Source: Stuff.com
